This is in reference to three suicides at BITS Pilani, Goa campus in the last five months, which is worrisome, heartbreaking, and a serious matter of concern. I am not an expert, but being an ex-academic executive, according to me, it is not just one factor that leads students to fall into this ugly trap. The self-imposed pressure by students to exceed various expectations takes a toll on their mental and physical health, leading to depression, and the pompous display of results can be painful for some.
Another underlying pressure is from parents and peers, which, in addition to what the students are already going through, is extremely unbearable and depressing. At times, students overthink and are unwilling to fight back or analyse the shortfall in their results, which can also lead to negative thoughts or tendencies. The most important factor is that students must have overwhelming support from parents and teachers, like that of great friends—with closeness, love, and care—to make them feel that their loyalty to education is understood and valued, whatever the end result may be.
We, or the students, must remember: "Life is beautiful, and not the grades or materials; no job has the capability to define the worth of our own life.” With all said and done, it is also the duty of the institute to take ownership of such deadly incidents, ensuring that it should never be repeated again! Always remember: “It isn’t weak to ask for help. It’s like using a torch when you are lost in the dark.”
